Attacks in Paris - Council of Ministers (3.00 p.m.) - Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic (Paris, 14/11/2015)

The French President convened the Council of Ministers on Saturday 14 November at 3.00 p.m., following the attacks carried out in Paris during the evening of 13 November.

He reiterated that a state of emergency had been declared during the night. The mobilization of police forces, the gendarmerie and soldiers continues, with an additional 3,000 soldiers to be deployed within three days.

Hospitals are fully mobilized to care for all victims of the attacks. The Foreign, Justice and Health Ministries’ victims’ support unit is scaling up its ability to receive families.

15, 16 and 17 November will be national days of mourning, and flags will continue to fly at half-mast through 17 November. A moment of silence will take place on Monday 16 November at noon.

Large-scale events scheduled for the coming days, such as the Congress of French Mayors, will be cancelled.

Establishments administered by the Culture Ministry will remain closed this weekend along with shopping areas that attract large numbers of people. Sporting events are suspended today and tomorrow.

On Monday, all schools will reopen.

The French President will address a joint session of Parliament on Monday afternoon./.